GUEST POST - CARI KAMM (FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY)

Are You Marching with Me?

Guest Post by Cari Kamm

“And it is a choice. A choice to buy into fear or to chart your own path and create value. The hard work is being brave enough to make a difference. To not always wait for instructions, but figuring out what to do next.” - Seth Godin

(Literary Row in Central Park, New York City)

Today is the only day of the year that commands us to do something. March 4th = March Forth. March 4^th will always remind me to live and to take action.  

I had no idea about March 4th being a day of command and to March forth.  It’s a healthy reality check to make sure we continue to grow and become our best through time. To not only change our own lives, but others as well. As a writer who creates new chapters for my books, it’s a nice reminder to reread and write new chapters of my own life and Adios to those past ones.

To me, the tiniest events are just as important as those huge once in a lifetime chances. I am me. I am shaped by the combination of all my moments. These moments bring self-awareness and create these necessary life ingredients such as intuition, self-worth, love, forgiveness, trust and to make responsible choices.

If I had to describe the life I strive to live in one sentence, it would be... A creative, educational, inspirational, humble and truthful journey. I make a conscious effort to live my life fear proof. I make my decisions, choices and set my own standards, not that little voice of Mr. Fear that attempts to steer me to stay within my comfort zone. I can only love, laugh, work my butt off, fight for what I believe in, inspire and care for others, and sometimes cry in the process. . . hysterically! I will fail miserably at something before I ever quit anything. It’s the trade off for living outside of the comfort zone.

I believe we all live in some range of fear, just some more than others. The fear of failure, rejection, not being loved, or creating and living our dreams. We fear life sometimes so much that we protect ourselves to the point that we are not living, but slowly suffocating the passion inside ourselves that creates the very life we have imagined.

I’ve learned over the years that I have the power to truly create the life that I desire. To dream huge. To fail. To risk. To try. That the key to living the life I’ve always imagined is quite simple. Always choose happiness. To do what makes me happy. That my perspective is the most powerful tool and it will allow me to survive anything. Every morning when I sit at my desk, I take a moment, make that choice, and then let me fingers hit the keys.

So here is to marching forth!  To making our actions match our dreams! 

Author Bio: 

Cari Kamm has worked in the beauty industry for over a decade, building brands, working behind the scenes, and even selling her own skin care line. She has a master’s in clinical nutrition from New York University. Kamm currently works in corporate social media management with clients in the beauty, fashion, and restaurant industries. Living in New York City with her mutt Schmutz, Kamm loves finding inspiration in the most unexpected places, being a novelist, and convincing her fiancé that ordering takeout and making dinner reservations are equal to cooking.

Book Blurb:

Chloe Kassidy has just been accepted into one of Manhattan’s most exclusive art exhibits, Love Through Light. However, with her singular dedication to her career, she soon realizes that in sacrificing her personal life, she has never been in love. A hopeless romantic who is terrified of heartbreak, Chloe begins to enlist the help of her circle of friends to learn about love through their very different stories and experiences. 

In Chloe’s emotional rollercoaster to having the greatest love story ever told, she’ll learn that like her photography she must use the negatives in life to develop and prove that she’s a strong woman who found her way to love through light.

A humorous love story with an edgy and dramatic twist, For Internal Use Only is a vastly entertaining novel that gives each of us a new fairy tale to look forward too: our own.


Buy For Internal Use Only:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble


Connect with Cari Kamm:

Website    

Facebook

Twitter 

You Tube (Book Trailer)
  

CUPID ON DECK BY NANCY SCROFANO (BLURB & COVER ART)

In keeping with this week's Valentine's theme here at Books by Banister, I wanted to tell you all about a delightful novelette that was just released by Chick Lit author and blogger, Nancy Scrofano. It's called "Cupid On Deck," and yes, it's a story that's set on the most romantic night of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed this e-book (see my 5-star review on Amazon), and I'm sure all of you romance lovers will, too! Read on for more details . . . Don't you love this cover art?

Book blurb: Louise “Lou” Riley agrees to tag along with her friends on a Valentine’s Day cruise around Seattle’s Lake Union. Donning their best 1920s attire, they board the old-fashioned paddle wheeler steamboat for an evening that’s expected to be the bee’s knees. Lou plans to shed her third wheel status onboard when she joins Nate, who she’s been sweet on for months. But when a mishap sends the dashing (and single!) Landon Harper to her aid, Lou discovers that Cupid may have other plans for her love life, and she and Landon share an unforgettable few hours together. Then, a surprise announcement sends everyone into a frenzy. Will Lou and Landon live happily ever after? Or maybe Lou and Nate are meant to be… Find out where the cherub’s arrow lands in Cupid On Deck, a roaring good time aboard a love boat reminiscent of the jazz age.

Purchase Cupid On Deck:

  
Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Connect With Nancy Scrofano:

Author Website

Chick Lit Bee Blog

Twitter
 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR - V-DAY Q&A WITH PILAR ALVAREZ (IN NEED OF THERAPY)

In conjunction with the amazing 99 cents Valentine's e-book sale that I, and 8 other Chick Lit authors, are participating in, we wanted to treat our wonderful readers, blog followers, and friends to some fun, romance-themed Q&As with the heroines of our novels. Miami-based psychologist, Pilar Alvarez, the lovely, Latina protagonist of In Need of Therapy, is on the hot seat here. Read on to find out some never-before-revealed tidbits about her love life . . . 

1) Are you currently in a relationship? If so, tell us a little bit about your S.O. And if not . . . what are you looking for in a romantic partner?

Much to my mother's dismay, I am not currently in a relationship. In fact, I recently broke up with the man she'd decided was the future father of my children. SIGH She's always accusing me of being too picky when it comes to men, but I don't think I ask for much. I just want a guy who's honest (This eliminates Victor, the cheater!), intelligent, funny, hard-working, family-oriented, and a good listener. It would, also, be nice if he liked strong, independent women because I'm not changing for anybody!


2) How old were you when you had your first kiss -- and can you share what you remember about it?

Oh, gosh, let's see. I was in sixth grade when I got my first kiss, so I guess I was 12. Oddly enough, it happened during a fire drill. We were filing out of the school in a not-so-orderly fashion when this kid named Jeff gave me a shove from behind (Jeff had a lot of anger issues; his parents were going through a divorce at the time.) I fell out of line, down on to the blacktop, and the adorable Luke McCabe stopped to help me. I'd been crushing on him for months, but wasn't sure if he even knew I was alive. He was so sweet. He knelt down and asked if I was hurt. I shook my head 'no,' then he leaned in close and said, "I've been wanting to tell you . . . I think you're the prettiest girl in this school," then he kissed me right on the lips! It was all over so fast that I thought I might have imagined it, but no, Luke helped me to my feet and held my hand all the way through the rest of the drill. He was my boyfriend from that day forward for two years. I've had a thing for dark-haired men who wear glasses ever since because of Luke. You never forget your first love!   


3) Describe your ideal romantic evening.

My ideal romantic evening would have to involve some delicious Cuban food, great conversation, and dancing. I love to dance, especially Salsa! Dancing is a great way to connect with someone and have fun, plus it's just sexy (two bodies moving as one, feeling the rhythm of the music, etc.)


4) What's the best romantic gift you ever received - and the best one you ever gave?

I loved the poem my boyfriend, Tommy, wrote for me in high school. It was really beautiful, and I was touched  that he put so much thought, effort, and feeling into it. A gift that comes from the heart means so much more than something that comes from a store (Victor never understood this. He always thought that the more he spent on a gift, the more I should like it.)
 
Food means love to me. So, a few years back, I spent hours in the kitchen, cooking a really elaborate meal that included all of my boyfriend's favorites for his birthday. And I served the dishes to him while wearing something out of the Victoria's Secret catalog. He seemed to like that!  
     

5) What's your favorite romantic comedy, book, or movie, and why? What about love song, and why?

I adore RomComs! My favorite would be My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I just watched that movie again recently and I could so relate to what poor Toula goes through with her family. There's really not much difference between a Greek family and a Cuban one; both are full of people who are loud, opinionated, big on drama, and always in your business! I can only hope that I will one day find a guy as wonderful as Ian Miller (Toula's love) who will be able to put up with all of the Alvarez craziness!

I've never really been into ballads, so my idea of a love song is something a little quirky, like Adele's "Crazy For You." Love her soulful voice and the emotion in the lyrics. 
 



6) What food gets you "in the mood?"

Sharing food with someone, no matter what it is, can be a very sensual experience. Being Cuban, I get turned on by foods with a lot of flavor. There is nothing more delicious and satisfying than a good lechoncita (shredded roast pork that's super juicy and succulent) smothered in a tart, citrusy mojo sauce. It's, also, a food that's easy to feed to someone else, and if one is so inclined, many creative uses for mojo sauce can be found.


7) Can you tell us about your worst date ever?

SHUDDER My worst date just happened recently. It was a set-up by my never-helpful mamá. The guy was a fitness and nutrition-obsessed jerk, which made eating a meal with him an absolute misery. I'm still suffering from PTDDD (Post-Traumatic Disastrous Date Disorder), so I really don't want to relive the experience again. But you can read all the gory details in In Need of Therapy.
 

8) How far will you go on a first date? And how many dates do you need to go on before you knock boots?

I always tell my patients not to rush into intimacy and I apply that same credo to myself. There's no need to jump into bed with someone you've just met. Sex will be much more satisfying, both emotionally and physically, when you actually know the person. Having said that, I am a passionate woman and if I'm feeling chemistry with a guy on the first date, I'm up for ending the evening with a kiss.
 

9) Have you ever had a secret romance? And if you have, will you share about it here?

Secret romance? You mean, like with a married man or a patient? Someone who is totally off-limits, someone whose love would be forbidden to me on so many levels that it would be wrong for me to contemplate the possibility for even a second? Uh, nope, absolutely not. I would never get involved in that kind of relationship. Not me. No way. I'm not that kind of girl. <whistles innocently>
 

10) Describe your dream wedding. If you're already married, was the wedding you had the one you always dreamed of?   

My dream wedding would be a casual affair that took place on the beach at sunset (a total fantasy because my mother would never allow me to get married outside of a Catholic church and she would insist on all the bells and whistles for the ceremony.) I'd wear a lacy, strapless, cream-colored dress, probably cocktail length, and walk barefoot down the aisle, on my father's arm, carrying the family bible that my grandmother,  Rosalinda, my mother, and my older sister, Ana, all carried when they were brides. The ceremony would be followed by a fabulous party with all my family and friends, lots of great Cuban food and plenty of alcohol to keep everyone friendly, a band that could play everything from standards to Latin dance music, and a delicious tres leches wedding cake with fresh mango on top made by my Aunt Solana, who owns a bakery. Of course, I'm open to suggestions from my future groom if his tastes differ from mine. I'm all about compromise!


To check out the heroine Q&As of the other Chick Lit authors who are involved in this amazing Valentine's promo, please click on the links below:

Samantha Stroh Bailey
Francine LaSala 
Cat Lavoie 
Samantha March
Libby Mercer
Meredith Schorr
Nancy Scrofano
Lucie Simone   


If you'd like to read more about Pilar, be sure to pick up a copy of In Need of Therapy while the e-book's on sale for just $0.99! This special Valentine's Weekend promo will last through Sunday (2/17.)

Book blurb:   

Lending a sympathetic ear and dispensing sage words of advice is all part of the job for psychologist Pilar Alvarez, and she’s everything a good therapist should be:  warm, compassionate, supportive.  She listens, she cares, and she has all the answers, but how’s the woman everyone turns to in their hour of need supposed to cope when her own life starts to fall apart? 

While working hard to make a success of her recently-opened practice in trendy South Beach, Pilar must also find time to cater to the demands of her boisterous Cuban family, which includes younger sister Izzy, an unemployed, navel-pierced wild child who can't stay out of trouble, and their mother, a beauty queen turned drama queen who’s equally obsessed with her fading looks and getting Pilar married before it’s “too late.”  Although she’d like to oblige her mother and make a permanent love connection, Pilar’s romantic prospects look grim.  Her cheating ex, who swears that he’s reformed, is stalking her.  A hunky, but strictly off-limits, patient with bad-boy appeal and intimacy issues is making passes.  And the sexy shrink in the suite across the hall has a gold band on his left ring finger.

When a series of personal and professional disasters lead Pilar into the arms of one of her unsuitable suitors, she's left shaken, confused, and full of self-doubt.  With time running out, she must make sense of her feelings and learn to trust herself again so that she can save her business, her family, and most importantly, her heart.

Click here to buy In Need of Therapy at Amazon!

 

99 CENT E-BOOK SALE FOR VALENTINE'S WEEKEND! YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS!

Love is in the air . . . and it can be on your Kindle, too! 

Do you want to fall in love with a good book this Valentine's Day weekend? How about 9? Then don't miss this special promotion. For four days only (February 14th - February 17th), 9 popular Chick Lit authors will be lowering the prices on their favorite rom-coms to 99 cents on Amazon.com! At that price (A bottle of wine costs more!), why not sample them all? Some delicious literary treats await you, and unlike chocolates these goodies are calorie-free! 

And guys: If your sweetie is a book-lover, you'll make her Valentine's Day by gifting her with one (or more) of our fun, romantic stories! 

Click on book titles to be taken straight to Amazon! 


Finding Lucas by Samantha Stroh Bailey - Daytime talk show producer Jamie Ross is beyond fed up with her toxic bad boy turned metrosexual boyfriend. Spurred on by her gang of quirky friends, she goes on a hilarious, at-times disastrous, and totally life-changing hunt to track down the ”one who got away.” But are some loves best left behind? 

In Need of Therapy by Tracie Banister – Handling the problems of hysterical hypochondriacs, lovelorn neurotics, and compulsive man whores is all in a day’s work for super-shrink Pilar Alvarez. But can she deal with her crazy Cuban family, a trio of unsuitable suitors, and a threat to her practice without ending up on the couch herself?  

Rita Hayworth’s Shoes by Francine LaSala – Jilted bride Amy's down on everything until she convinces herself to purchase a cute, ridiculously expensive pair of second-hand shoes. Once she does, life starts looking up, and she falls into an unexpected new romance with the last man she'd ever expect to love. But can a pair of shoes really be magic? And is her new prince really just a frog? 


Breaking the Rules by Cat Lavoie – When Roxy Rule shares a passionate kiss with her lifelong best friend, she must come to terms with her feelings for him while dealing with two sisters in full crisis mode, a boss who makes her want to stab herself with a letter opener and a fiancé who can’t wait to walk down the aisle. Can she keep it together–or will she break under the pressure? 

The Green Ticket by Samantha March – College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty, but her good fortune quickly turns disastrous when she realizes her job is filled with lies, betrayal, and cover-ups. Keeping up with classes, her girlfriends and a budding romance, Alex feels the pressure – but will she overcome the challenges? 


Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer - 

Disgraced New York fashionista, Maya Kirkwood, is fashioning herself a new life as an artist in San Francisco when she's hired to do an installation of her work by dorky, yet dashing dotcom executive, Derek. The sparks soon start to fly, but this could mean disaster for Maya - a woman with an explosive past and far too many secrets.

A State of Jane by Meredith Schorr - Jane Frank is newly single after nine years and looking for a second chance at love. But when she dives head first into the NYC dating scene and finds it infested with flakes who are interested today and gone tomorrow, it may be time for Jane to turn the tables! 

True Love Way by Nancy Scrofano - When her high school sweetheart, Josh, suddenly returns after twelve years in Paris, Marlo Spencer travels to her hometown to try to rekindle their relationship. But when dreams of a blissful reunion are shattered as old secrets and betrayals are revealed, can she forgive and forget, or will true love find a different path to her heart? 

Picture Perfect by Lucie Simone - Lauren Tate’s perfectly planned life quickly unravels at the seams when a smear campaign threatens her career as a top TV executive, but she learns just how cutthroat showbiz can truly be when the hottest scandal in Tinsel Town turns deadly and the Hollywood hunk who’s stolen her heart goes missing.